1905- the Cullinan, a 3,106-carat diamond, is found in South Africa.
This Day in History
1799- the 1st US patent for a seeding machine is granted in Vermont.
1848- Gold is discovered in California.
1786- Designer of the Alexander Column in Russia, Auguste de Montferrand, is born.
1817- British vessel, Diana, sinks off the coast of Malacca.
1743- Creator of one of the world’s first steam boats, John Fitch, is born.
1955- Construction begins on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, a bascule bridge in Louisiana, U.S.A.
1883- The first overhead wire electrical system is turned on in New Jersey.
1980- Gold reaches $1,000 per ounce.
1706- Benjamin Franklin, discoverer of electricity, is born.